Today marks the one month point... I've been walking for exactly one month. Seems like it has been forever, and also like it has flown by.

I took today to walk alone, by choice. I'm an introvert by nature and I felt like I really needed a day to be with myself, to think, to recharge. Introverts aren't necessarily shy people or loners. They gain their energy from being alone, whereas extroverts gain energy from being around other people. It has taken me some years to figure out how to manage that part of my life. And part of that is being sure to take some time that is away, alone. So, today was one of those days for me. I walked at my own pace, which actually ended up being faster than the group and I arrived in Sarria well ahead of the pack (which surprised me). It's hard to explain, really... sometimes I'm walking and thinking, sometimes I'm not aware of any thoughts at all, sometimes I'm just taking in all that is around me, and sometimes my mind is jumping all over the place and I couldn't even make sense of the stream of thought if I tried. But it was necessary for me and it was good and I feel rejuvenated and ready to take on these last 100km.

Sarria is the last place for people to "jump on" the Camino if they want to register for the official pilgrim's Compostela at the end. You must walk at least 100km to be officially registered for the Compostela.

I'm very aware of the fact that we are just days away from finishing this journey. I'm really excited and really feeling the energy of the end being in sight. But, at the same time, I really want to stay in the moment, to not get ahead of the journey, to stay intentional and present in every step of the way. So my inner battle right now is to stay in the present and not be focused on the end. Every one of these last 100km is important in some way, and I want to be there for each of them.